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Ethology Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ethology

[ษชหˆฮธษ’lษ™dส’i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal behavior

Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, often in natural environments. It focuses on the evolutionary, genetic, and developmental influences on behavior, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind specific behavioral patterns.

Synonyms

animal behavior science, behavioral biology.

Examples of usage

  • The ethology of birds includes their mating rituals and nesting behavior.
  • Ethology helps researchers understand how animals interact with their environment.
  • Many aspects of ethology are studied in field settings to observe natural behavior.
  • The study of ethology contributes to our knowledge of conservation and animal welfare.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The field emerged as a distinct science in the 1930s, highlighting the importance of natural settings for observing animals.
  • Pioneers like Konrad Lorenz and Nikolaas Tinbergen conducted foundational research, earning Nobel Prizes for their contributions.

Pop Culture

  • Ethology has influenced various works of literature and film, with themes of animal behavior featured in documentaries like 'The Planet Earth.'
  • Popular media often anthropomorphizes animal behaviors, engaging viewersโ€™ interest in the science behind the actions.

Impact on Science

  • The findings in ethology have led to better conservation strategies by understanding animal needs and behaviors.
  • Insights from this field are applied in training domesticated animals, improving our interactions with pets.

Interdisciplinary Connections

  • Ethology overlaps with psychology, highlighting connections between animal and human behaviors.
  • The study of animal behavior also influences fields like ecology, emphasizing the relationship between species and their environments.

Origin of 'ethology'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'ethos,' meaning character or behavior, and 'logos,' meaning study.
  • It was first popularized in the mid-20th century by scientists looking to understand animal behavior more deeply.

The term 'ethology' is derived from the Greek words 'ethos,' meaning 'character' or 'custom,' and 'logia,' meaning 'study' or 'science.' The word began to emerge in the late 19th to early 20th centuries as scientists like Charles Darwin and Konrad Lorenz began exploring animal behavior systematically. Ethology became prominent with the development of observational techniques that allowed researchers to study animals in their natural habitats rather than in captivity. This shift marked a significant departure from earlier approaches that focused more on laboratory conditions. Prominent ethologists like Nikolaas Tinbergen further advanced the discipline by introducing the four questions of behavior: causation, development, function, and evolution. Today, ethology continues to be a critical field in understanding not only animal behavior but also the broader ecological implications of animal interactions and adaptation to their environments.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,262 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.